A recently concluded Hortgro-funded study investigated the most common culprits and how to control them. By Anna Mouton. Saprophytic fungi help keep the global carbon cycle spinning by digesting dead organic matter, but, unfortunately, their food sources include the stems…
The broad-spectrum fungicide mancozeb is the go-to option for apple-scab control. But what happens to mancozeb when it rains? By Engela Duvenage. “Some mancozeb products on the market claim in their advertising to be more rainfast than others,” says Prof.…
A summary of historical South African research on apple scab starting in 1970 with the work of Dr Wolf Schwabe. By Anna Mouton. Schwabe conducted extensive research on apple scab while with the Fruit and Fruit Technology Research Institute —…
What is it and what can be done about it? By Anna Mouton. Apple scab or black spot is a disease of apples caused by the fungus Venturia inaequalis — unaffectionately known to many growers as fusi — short for…
Ongoing research aims to optimise old and discover new methods to maintain fruit quality. By Anna Mouton. Delivering fresh fruit to distant markets partly depends on chemical control of decay-causing organisms. “The importance of orchard practices can never be discounted,”…
Dr Marcel Wenneker, senior crop-protection researcher at Wageningen University and Research in the Netherlands, shares his insights. By Anna Mouton. Q: What is the status of post-harvest diseases in pome fruit in the Netherlands? A: Post-harvest diseases are a minor…